The business community in Ormstown has been shaken by two cases of arson at popular restaurants on Lambton Street in recent weeks.
The Casa Venezia was destroyed by flames on July 20, while the exterior of the Express 57 restaurant was damaged after a fire was deliberately set on September 19.
Following each fire, Mayor Philippe Besombes visited with the owners to offer his support. “It was important for me to tell them that we were behind them,” he said.
“The question on everyone’s mind is: What is going on in Ormstown? What is happening? Because we are not used to this. We have a very close-knit community, and its usually relatively quiet here,” he said.
“As a municipality, our role is very limited because this is ultimately a public safety matter, so it is up to the SQ,” he commented, noting he has met twice with the local police force. “My goal was to ensure they are taking this seriously and doing everything they can to find solutions.”
The Sûreté du Québec responded by increasing police presence and patrols at night, particularly on Lambton Street and in other commercial areas. “I asked them what more we can do to protect businesses,” added Besombes, explaining that several business owners have already installed security cameras.
He said that the municipality will organize a meeting in the coming weeks with business owners to discuss the situation and Lambton Street in general. “It is, after all, our main street, so we need to take this opportunity to focus on the positive and see what we can do to promote the businesses on this street and ensure it is a safe environment.
I think what we need to do is support one another. Let the SQ conduct its investigation, ensure there is greater police presence, and then we will see how things go from there.”
Besombes suggested that business owners are feeling confident with the measures that have been taken.
He reports that the last time he spoke with Claude Gervais, the owner of Express 57 told him about plans to bring some colour to the street. On September 27, Gervais and a team of volunteers decorated the street with pumpkins for the fall season.
“It really shows how we are a community that is close-knit and very resilient,” said Besombes.
“It is good news, but that does not change the fact that the police need to keep a close eye on what is happening,” he added. “The investigation must be seen through to the end.”